U.S. patent number 10,716,650 [Application Number 15/321,059] was granted by the patent office on 2020-07-21 for dental floss holder.
This patent grant is currently assigned to STAR FLOSS AS. The grantee listed for this patent is STAR FLOSS AS. Invention is credited to Kevin Hermansen.
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United States Patent |
10,716,650 |
Hermansen |
July 21, 2020 |
Dental floss holder
Abstract
A dental floss holder includes a connecting section and at least
four floss supporting arms extending from said connecting section.
Each of the floss supporting arms has a first end and a second end.
The first end is connected to the connecting section, and the
second end includes a floss fastening portion for fastening a
string of dental floss. The floss fastening portions of the at
least four floss supporting arms are configured such that a string
of dental floss attached to the floss fastening portions of the at
least four floss supporting arms may be arranged to constitute the
edges of a polyhedron.
Inventors: |
Hermansen; Kevin (Oslo,
NO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STAR FLOSS AS |
Oslo |
N/A |
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
STAR FLOSS AS (Oslo,
NO)
|
Family
ID: |
53483821 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/321,059 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2015 |
PCT
Filed: |
June 23, 2015 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2015/064111 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
December 21, 2016 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2015/197616 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 30, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170151043 A1 |
Jun 1, 2017 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 24, 2014 [NO] |
|
|
20140804 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C
17/228 (20130101); A61C 15/046 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61C
15/04 (20060101); A61C 17/22 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
201 200 488 |
|
Mar 2009 |
|
CN |
|
7 810 061 |
|
Apr 1979 |
|
NL |
|
2014/016834 |
|
Jan 2014 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report issued in PCT/EP2015/064111 dated Aug.
25, 2015 (3 pages). cited by applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority issued in
PCT/EP2015/064111 dated Aug. 25, 2015 (5 pages). cited by applicant
.
Norwegian Search Report issued in Patent Application No. 20140804
dated Feb. 2, 2015 (2 pages). cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Rodriguez; Cris L.
Assistant Examiner: Kalach; Brianne
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Osha Liang LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A dental floss holder comprising: a connecting section; and at
least tour floss supporting arms extending from said connecting
section, wherein each of the floss supporting arms has a first end
and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the
connecting section, and wherein the second end comprises a floss
fastening portion for fastening a string of dental floss, wherein
the floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting
arms are configured such that a string of dental floss attached to
the floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting
arms are arranged to form outer edges of a polyhedron shape, a
string of dental floss forming discrete pairs of strings that are
aligned and arranged on opposite sides of the connecting section,
and wherein the connecting section is completely disposed within a
volume delimited by the outer edges of the polyhedron shape.
2. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein each of the
floss supporting arms are connected to a neighboring floss
supporting arm by a discrete string of dental floss among the
plurality of discrete strings attached to the floss fastening
portions of the floss supporting arms.
3. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein each of the
floss supporting arms are connected to each of at least two
neighboring floss supporting arms by discrete strings of dental
floss among the plurality of discrete strings attached to the floss
fastening portions of the floss supporting arms.
4. A dental floss holder according to claim 2, wherein the discrete
string of dental floss is spaced apart from the connecting
section.
5. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the second
end of the floss supporting arms comprises a rounded surface.
6. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the
polyhedron is selected from the group consisting of: a tetrahedron,
a cube, a hexagonal prism, and an octahedron.
7. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the floss
supporting arms are of a substantially equal length.
8. A dental floss holder according to claim 2, wherein the discrete
string of dental floss is fastened to the fastening portion by a
method selected from the group consisting of: molding, melting,
embedding, gluing, winding, tying, and clamping.
9. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the holder
is manufactured as one integrated unit by molding.
10. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the floss
supporting arms are joined together by a strengthening section.
11. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the floss
supporting arms extend from the connecting section to form a
polygonal base of a polyhedron where the plurality of discrete
strings of dental floss form the faces of the prism.
12. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein a
compressible material is placed in a space between the plurality of
discrete strings of dental floss, the floss supporting arms and the
connecting section, such that the compressible material helps to
push a discrete string of dental floss among the plurality of
discrete strings back out once inserted between adjacent teeth.
13. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the first
end is a part of the connecting section.
14. A dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein each of the
floss supporting arms are connected to each of at least three,
neighboring floss supporting arms by discrete strings of dental
floss among the plurality of discrete strings attached to the floss
fastening portions of the floss supporting arms.
15. The dental floss holder according to claim 1, wherein the first
end of each floss supporting arm is directly connected to the same
connecting section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a dental floss holder, and more
particularly a dental floss holder not requiring the use of hands
for flossing.
BACKGROUND
In the prior art, dental flossing requires the use of fingers to
hold the dental floss, and/or a device comprising a dental floss
holder and a handle for guiding the dental floss holder in the
mouth of a user. A common problem or disadvantage connected with
prior art methods of dental flossing is that the person flossing
have to use one or both of his hands, and is thus prevented from
performing other tasks, such as driving, while flossing. A further
potential disadvantage is that the flossing is done with the mouth
at least partially open, and this may in some settings be socially
unacceptable.
Examples of typical prior art dental floss holders requiring a
handle for guiding the dental floss holder in the mouth of a user
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,404,978 and 3,106,216.
An example of a replaceable dental floss holder for attachment to a
separate handle for guiding the dental floss holder in the mouth of
a user is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,180,522.
A goal of one or more embodiments of the present invention is to
provide a dental floss holder which alleviates or avoids at least
some of the issues contributing to a non-regular or lacking use of
dental floss.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One or more embodiments of present invention provide a dental floss
holder that does not require the use of a handle, or fingers, to
guide the dental floss in the mouth of a user. The floss holder
according to one or more embodiments of the invention is defined by
the appended claims and in the following:
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a dental floss
holder comprising a connecting section, and at least four floss
supporting arms extending from said connecting section, each of the
floss supporting arms has a first end and a second end, the first
end is connected to, or is a part of, the connecting section, and
the second end comprises a floss fastening portion for fastening a
string of dental floss, wherein a string of dental floss attached
to the floss fastening portions of the at least four floss
supporting arms may be arranged to constitute the edges of a
polyhedron.
The floss fastening portions are spaced apart such that a string,
or strings, of dental floss may be fastened between at least three
of said floss supporting arms before use. The string of dental
floss between two floss supporting arms having a length making it
suitable for being moved between adjacent teeth.
The connecting section may also be termed a hub, i.e. a body or
member comprised by, or connected to, the first ends of the floss
supporting arms.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, each of the floss supporting arms are connected to each
of at least two, preferably at least three, neighboring floss
supporting arms by a string of dental floss attached to the floss
fastening portions of the floss supporting arms.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the string of dental floss is spaced apart from the
connecting section.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the second end of the floss supporting arms comprises a
rounded surface. The rounded surface ensures that the dental floss
holder is comfortable to have in the mouth by avoiding any sharp
edges which may hurt or scratch the gums or palate.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the multiple strings of dental floss connecting the at
least four floss supporting arms are arranged to constitute at
least some of the edges of a polyhedron, such as a tetrahedron, a
cube, an octahedron, a hexagonal prism and similar.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the connecting section is arranged within a volume
delimited by the polyhedron formed by the multiple strings of
dental floss.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the floss supporting arms are of a substantially equal
length.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the string of dental floss is fastened to the fastening
portion by any suitable means, such as by molding, melting,
embedding, gluing, winding, tying or clamping.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the holder is manufactured as one integrated unit by
molding.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, at least two strings of dental floss are aligned and
arranged on opposite sides of the connecting section.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the floss supporting arms are joined together by a
strengthening section.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the floss supporting arms extends from the connecting
section to form a polygonal base of a polyhedron where the strings
of dental floss form the faces of the polyhedron.
For all embodiments, the distance between a string of dental floss
and an outer surface of the connecting section should preferably be
sufficient to allow the string of dental floss to pass between two
adjacent teeth and touch the upper surface of the gum between said
teeth.
In another embodiment of the dental floss holder according to the
invention, the strengthening section comprises a compressible
material arranged in the space between the strings of dental floss,
the floss supporting arms and the connecting section, such that the
compressible material will help to push the strings of dental floss
back out once inserted between adjacent teeth.
The term "polyhedron" is in the context of the present invention
intended to comprise both various types of polyhedra and
prisms.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the
following figures:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dental
floss holder according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dental
floss holder according to the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a dental
floss holder according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a dental
floss holder according to the invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a dental
floss holder according to the invention.
FIGS. 6a-f show side views of alternative embodiments of floss
supporting arms for a dental floss holder according to the
invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment with a compressible
material shown in the space between the floss supporting arms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of a dental floss holder according to the
invention is disclosed in FIG. 1. This specific embodiment has four
floss supporting arms 1, wherein each arm has a first end 2 and a
second end 3. The first end 2 of each supporting arm 1 is joined to
the connecting section 4 (or hub). In this embodiment, the
connecting section is formed by the four first ends 2 joined, or
connected together. At the second end 3, the supporting arms 1
feature a rounded surface 5 in the form of a knob 5 or ball. The
rounded surface ensures that the dental floss holder is comfortable
to have in the mouth by avoiding any sharp edges which may hurt or
scratch the gums or palate. Each of the supporting arms 1 is
connected to a neighboring supporting arm by a string of dental
floss 6. In this particular embodiment, each of the supporting arms
1 is connected to three neighboring supporting arms, each
connection by a string of dental floss 6. Each string of dental
floss is connected to a floss fastening portion 7 at the second end
of a supporting arm. The fastening portion 7 is preferably arranged
between the rounded surface 5 and the connecting section 4. As can
be seen, the multiple strings of dental floss are arranged to
constitute the edges of a polyhedron, or more specific in this
case, a tetrahedron.
In use, a person may put the present dental floss holder into the
mouth and the shape/form of the holder makes it easy to guide the
dental floss between the teeth by a combination of chewing on the
holder and moving it around by using the tongue. The size of the
dental floss holder is such that it can be put into the mouth and
used in a comfortable manner.
Further embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-4. The
main difference between the embodiments is the number of supporting
arms and consequently the number of strings of dental floss and
thus the geometric shape of the holder.
A dental floss holder comprising eight floss supporting arms 1 is
shown in FIG. 2. The multiple strings of dental floss are arranged
to constitute the edges of a cube. In this specific embodiment, two
strings of dental floss 6', 6'' are aligned and arranged on
opposite sides of the connecting section 4.
A dental floss holder comprising twelve floss supporting arms 1 is
shown in FIG. 3 (the side view hides the four supporting arms which
are mirror images of the four supporting arms extending towards the
viewer). The multiple strings of dental floss are then arranged to
constitute the edges of a polyhedron having 16 faces.
A dental floss holder comprising six floss supporting arms 1 is
shown in FIG. 4. The multiple strings of dental floss are arranged
to constitute the edges of an octahedron.
A dental floss holder comprising twelve floss supporting arms 1 is
shown in FIG. 5. A strengthening section 8 is shown arranged
between two of the neighboring supporting arms. Such strengthening
sections may be arranged between any number of supporting arms
provided they do not interfere with the insertion of the strings of
dental floss between adjacent teeth.
Various alternatives regarding the shape or form of the floss
supporting arms are shown in FIGS. 6a-f. The shape/form of the
supporting arms may be varied in a multitude of ways, but they
should be substantially longitudinal and comprise a fastening
portion 7 to which a string of dental floss may be fastened. In the
alternatives of FIGS. 6a and 6d, the fastening portion 7 is shown
as a slight narrowing of the supporting arm close to the rounded
surface 5, while in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the fastening portion 7 is
shown as holes. In FIGS. 6e and 6f, the fastening portion 7 is
shown as slots. The illustrated fastening portions 7 are especially
useful in embodiments where the strings of dental floss may be
replaced. In embodiments where the strings of dental floss are
permanent (e.g. for single use) they may be attached to the
fastening portion 7 by molding, melting, embedding or gluing. When
the latter methods for attaching are used the fastening portion is
not restricted to any shape or form, and may only denote a position
on the supporting arm, at which position a string of dental floss
is, or may be, attached.
An alternative feature of a dental floss holder according to one or
more embodiments of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. In this case,
a compressible material 9 is placed in the space between the
strings of dental floss 6, the floss supporting arms and the
connecting section, such that the compressible material 9 will help
to push the strings of dental floss back out once inserted between
adjacent teeth.
The dental floss holder according to one or more embodiments of the
invention, excluding the strings of dental floss per se, may be
manufactured in any suitable material such as metals and synthetic
polymers having the required mechanical properties with regards to
strength and flexibility/rigidity. A requirement of such materials
is their suitability for oral use by humans. In view of the present
disclosure, and known examples of materials used in prior art
dental floss holders, the skilled person would easily find a number
of materials fulfilling the required properties.
Preferably, the dental floss holder is manufactured in one piece by
molding. In such manufacture, the attachment of the strings of
dental floss may advantageously be performed during the molding
process, or in a subsequent manufacturing step wherein the strings
of dental floss are fastened by melting or gluing.
* * * * *